Glucose, 24-Hour Urinary Excretion (Quantitative)

Why This Test Is Done

Doctors may order a 24-hour urine glucose test to diagnose or monitor conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or metabolic disorders. It helps determine how much sugar your body is filtering through the kidneys and excreting in urine, which can indicate how effectively your body regulates blood sugar.

Avoid adding extra sugar to your food or drinks, including medications that may contain sugar, for 24 hours before the test. Drink as usual, but do not restrict fluids unless instructed by your healthcare provider. Collect all urine for the full 24-hour period in a container provided by your lab.

You will start the collection at a set time (often midnight or another agreed-upon start). Empty your bladder into the container first, then collect all urine for the next 24 hours. Store the urine in a cool place until you return it to the lab. The test requires a full 24-hour urine sample.

Your results will show the total amount of glucose excreted in urine over the 24-hour period. Higher than expected amounts may suggest diabetes or other metabolic issues, while lower amounts might indicate poor kidney function or other conditions affecting sugar metabolism.

Normal results typically vary by individual and may depend on factors like diet, activity level, and underlying health conditions. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and medical history.

Common Conditions This Test Helps Diagnose

This test can help identify diabetes (both type 1 and type 2), diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage from diabetes), and conditions like hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia that affect sugar balance. It may also be used to monitor kidney function or screen for metabolic disorders.